The Uruguayan national team is known as La Celeste (The Sky Blue). They have won the Copa América 15 times, making them the tournament's most successful national team. Their most recent triumph was in 2011. The team has won two FIFA World Cups, including the first in 1930, when they hosted the tournament and defeated Argentina 4–2 in the final. In 1950, they won their second title, defeating host Brazil 2–1 in the final, which had the highest attendance of any football event ever.
They have won gold medals in the Olympic football tournament twice, in 1924 and 1928, which are regarded as World Cup-like competitions. Uruguay is a four-time FIFA world champion, according to the global organisation. The Mundialito, a tournament for past World Cup champions, was also won by La Celeste in 1980. Uruguay has won a total of 20 official titles, setting a new global record for the most international titles held by a single country. The country has a very tiny population of roughly 3.4 million people contributing to its success. In terms of population, Uruguay is by far the smallest country in the world to have won a World Cup, with 1.75 million people in 1930.
Uruguay is preparing its top players for Copa America in 2021, which will be held in Brazil. Carlos Tabárez brought in a total of 26 players, the most of whom were from Europe, to compete for the country's sixteenth title. Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, two of the best Uruguayan soccer players ever, are among the roster's notable names. Facundo Torres, a young phenom who has also been called up, will be a player to watch.
Uruguay Copa America 2021 Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera, Martín Campaña, Sergio Rochet.
Defenders: Diego Godín, José María Giménez, Sebastián Coates, Ronald Araújo, Martín Cáceres, Matías Viña, Giovanni González, Camilo Cándido.
Midfielders: Matías Vecino, Federico Valverde, Fernando Gorriarán, Rodrigo Bentancur, Nahitan Nández, Luca Torreira, Nicolás De la Cruz, Brian Rodríguez, Giorgian De Arrascaeta.
Forwards: Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani, Maximiliano Gómez, Jonathan Rodríguez, Facundo Torres, Brian Ocampo.
Key Player: Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez joined Atlético Madrid in 2020, and in his first season, he won his sixth La Liga title. He scored 21 goals for Atlético, two of which were game-winners against Osasuna and Real Valladolid in the final two weekends of the season when Atlético was desperate for a win.
In what became a movie-worthy storey, no player scored more points for his club. As you can see, Suárez's numbers were all down last season. He didn't touch the ball as much, pressed less, and passed less. His proficiency in front of goal was the only thing that remained constant. He has been very lethal in front of the goal this season and will be looking to continue with the same form in the upcoming Copa America.
Also Check | Brazil Copa America 2021 Squad and Team Profile
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Uruguay, led by veteran coach Oscar Tabarez, is a strong contender for this year's Copa América. With striking combination Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani leading the charge, they boast one of the finest attacks in the tournament. Their team will undoubtedly be formidable and difficult to beat. Uruguay usually seems to fare better against attacking teams where they can sit back and counter than when they have to be the offensive team. They should be able to get away with playing a flat 4-4-2, which would allow Cavani and Suárez to connect better and put less strain on Cavani's legs.
Uruguay will most likely qualify for the knockout stage based on the teams in their group, but the challenges will begin after that, as anyone can face anyone according to their group rank. Oscar Tabárez has started introducing fresh players like Nacional standouts Brian Ocampo and Camilo Cándido once again. Diego Rossi of LAFC, who appeared to have broken into the squad last year but was not selected, is one notable exclusion from the tournament. Mauro Arambarri of Getafe was also left out of the final squad.
